2016 BMW M3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 BMW M3: 3 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #15V782000 · 2015 · 42 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that May not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint May fail over time.
Why it matters: If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #16V653000 · 2016 · 196 vehicles
What's wrong: During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts May have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts May cause the bolts to loosen.
Why it matters: Loose rear sub-frame bolts May adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #18V713000 · 2018 · 2,661 vehicles
What's wrong: The connection between the driveshaft and the flange May fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.
Why it matters: A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 BMW M3 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #18 of 33 M3 model years for complaints (well below the 13 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 20,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (4 complaints, 3 recalls), 2017 (3 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 BMW M3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 BMW M3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 BMW M3 problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (3), other / unknown (1), body & structure (1).
What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW M3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 BMW M3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.